Introducing the new MacKids mascot

Our official 2017 MacKids mascot has flown into shops across Hamilton Health Sciences.

Hoots is a barn owl.. He loves hanging out in tall trees, practising his times tables, and staying up late to see the stars. He likes to think he’s pretty tough, but he’s really a big softie.

Hoots the owl is now available in all hospital Give Shop locations, some café and cafeteria locations and online through Giving Blooms.

“There was a lot of excitement about the plush that year and we soon realized our customers were looking forward to a new mascot each year.”

For the past 19 years, the Hamilton Health Sciences Volunteer Association has been creating a plush mascot each year to raise money for McMaster Children’s Hospital. Recent favourites have included Finnegan the Fox and Pickles the Pig. These collectibles are well loved by staff, patients and the community—a few HHS staff members even keep a crew of MacKids mascots in their office.

“When we created our first mascot 19 years ago, we had no idea how far this would go,” says HHSVA marketing and communications manager, Christie Mohide. “There was a lot of excitement about the plush that year and we soon realized our customers were looking forward to a new mascot each year.”

Leading up to annual mascot selection, the HHSVA works with a supplier to create a list of potential stuffies that will bring smiles to the faces of kids in our region. Together with buying partner Scotiabank, who sells the stuffed animals at their branches, a shortlist is created. Staff vote on a favourite, and submit name ideas for the top pick. Once a mascot is chosen and named, production begins.

Make a purchase, make a difference

Hoots sells for $20 plus tax and all profits are donated to enhance patient care at MCH. Over the past five years alone, HHSVA’s MacKids plush program has raised more than $70,000 for MCH.

“Many staff members eagerly wait to see the new mascot each year,” says Mohide. “It’s a really nice tradition for people.” The plush mascots are popular Christmas gifts and are often found at the bedside of MCH patients.

Join us in welcoming Hoots and helping him to find a place to nest this winter!

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